THE AYURVEDIC PHARMACOPOEIA OF INDIA

Legal Notices | General Notices
Note: This e-Book contains Computer Database generated Monographs which are reproduced from official publication. The order of contents under the sections of Synonyms, Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka, Karma, Formulations, Therapeutic uses may be shuffled, but the contents are same from the original source. However, in case of doubt, the user is advised to refer the official book.

In India there are laws dealing with drugs that are the subject of monographs which follow. These monographs should be read subject to the restrictions imposed by these laws wherever they are applicable. It is expedient that enquiry be made in each case in order to ensure that the provisions of the law are being complied with. In general, the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 (subsequently amended in 1964 and 1982), the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1930 and the Poisons Act, 1919 and the rules framed thereunder should be consulted. Under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (A.P.I.), Part-I, Vol. III, is the book of standards for single drugs included therein and the standards prescribed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part-I, Vol. III would be official. If considered necessary these standards can be amended and the Chairman of the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Committee authorised to issue such amendments. accordingly. Whenever such amendments are issued the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part-I, Vol. III, would be deemed to have been amended

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GENERAL NOTICES
Title - The title of the book is “Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of Name of the Drugs - The name given on the top of each monograph of the drug is in Sanskrit as mentioned in the Ayurvedic classics and/or in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India , Part-I and Part-II will be considered official. These names have been arranged in English alphabetical order. The Latin name (taxonomical nomenclature) of each drug as found in authentic scientific literature has been provided in the monograph in the introductory paragraph. The official name will be the main title of the drug and its scientific name will also be considered as legal name. Introductory Para - Each monograph begins with an introductory paragraph indicating the part, scientific name of the drug in Latin with short description about its habit, distribution and method of collection, if any. Synonyms - Synonyms of each drug appearing in each monograph in Sanskrit, English, Hindi, Urdu and other Indian regional languages have been mentioned as found in the classical texts, Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part-I and Part-II as procured from the experts, scholars of Ayurveda and officials in the field from different states. Italics - Italic type has been used for scientific name of the drug appearing in the introductory paragraph of each monograph as also for chemicals and reagents, substances or processes described in Appendix. Odour and Taste - Wherever a specific odour has been found it has been mentioned but the description as ‘odourless’ or ‘no odour’ has in many cases been avoided in the description, as large numbers of drugs have got no specific odour. The “odour” is examined by directly smelling 25 g of the powdered drug contained in a package or freshly powdered. If the odour is discernible the sample is rapidly transferred to an open container and re-examined after 15 minutes. If the odour persists to be discernible, it is described as having odour. The “Taste” of a drug is examined by taking a small quantity of 85 mesh powder by a tip of moist glass rod and applying it on tongue previously rinsed with water. This may not be done in case if poisonous drugs, indicated in monograph. Mesh Number - Wherever the powdering of the drug has been required the sieve “Mesh Number 85” has been used. This will not apply for drugs containing much oily substance. Weights and Measures - The metric system of weights and measures is employed. Weights are given in multiples or fractions of a gramme (g) or of a milligram (mg). Fluid measures are given in multiples or fractions of millilitre (ml). When the term “drop” is used, the measurement is to be made by means of a tube, which delivers in 20 drops 1 gram of distilled water at 15oC. Metric measures are required by the Pharmacopoeia to be graduated at 20oC and all measurements involved in the analytical operations of the Pharmacopoeia are intended, unless otherwise stated to be made at that temperature. Identity, Purity and Strength - Under the heading “Identification” tests are provided as an aid to identification and are described in their respective monographs. The term “Foreign Matter” is used to designate any matter, which does not form part of the drug as defined in the monograph. Vegetable drugs used as such or in formulations, should be duly identified and authenticated and be free from insects, ix

pests, fungi, micro-organisms, pesticides, and other animal matter including animal excreta, be within the permitted and specified limits for lead, arsenic and heavy metals, and show no abnormal odour, colour, sliminess, mould or other evidence of deterioration. The quantitative tests e.g. total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-soluble ash, alcohol-soluble extractive, water- soluble extractive, ether-soluble extractive, moisture content, volatile oil content and assays are the methods upon which the standards of Pharmacopoeia depend. The methods for assays are described in their respective monographs and for other quantitative tests, methods are not repeated in the text of monographs but only the corresponding reference of appropriate appendix is given. The analyst is not precluded from employing an alternate method in any instance if he is satisfied that the method, which he uses, will give the same result as the Pharmacopoeial Method. In suitable instances the methods of microanalysis, if of equivalent accuracy, may be substituted for the tests and assays described. However, in the event of doubt or dispute the methods of analysis of the Pharmacopoeia are alone authoritative. Limits for Heavy Metals – All Ayurvedic Drugs (Single/Compound formulation) must comply with the limits for Heavy Metals prescribed in individual Monograph and wherever limit is not given then they must comply with the limits given in WHO publication “Quality Control Methods for Medicinal Plants and Material”. Standards - For statutory purpose, statements appearing in the API, Part-I, Vol. V, under Description, those of definition of the part and source plants, and Identity, Purity and Strength, shall constitute standards. Thin Layer Chromatography (T.L.C.) - Under this head, wherever given, the number of spots and Rf values of the spots with their colour have been mentioned as a guide for identification of the drug and not as Pharmacopoeial requirement. However, the analyst may use any other solvent system and detecting reagent in any instance if he is satisfied that the method which he uses, even by applying known reference standards, will give better result to establish the identity of any particular chemical constituent reported to be present in the drug. Quantities to be weighed for Assays and Tests - In all description quantity of the substance to be taken for testing is indicated. The amount stated is approximate but the quantity actually used must be accurately weighed and must not deviate by more than 10 per cent from the one stated. Constant Weight - the term “Constant Weight” when it refers to drying or ignition means that two consecutive weighings do not differ by more than 1.0 mg per g of the substance taken for the determination, the second weighing following an additional hour of drying on further ignition. Constituents - Under this head only the names of important chemical constituents, groups of constituents reported in research publications have been mentioned as a guide and not as pharmacopoeial requirement. Percentage of Solutions - In defining standards, the expression per cent (%), is used, according to circumstances, with one of the four meanings given below. Per cent w/w (percentage weight in weight) expresses the number of grammes of active substance, in 100 grammes of product. Per cent w/v (Percentage weight in volume) expresses the number of grammes of active substance in 100 millilitres of product.

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Per cent v/v (percentage volume in volume) expresses the number of millilitres of active substance in 100 millilitres of product. Per cent v/w (percentage volume in weight) expresses the number of millilitres of active substance in 100 grammes of product. Percentage of alcohol - All statements of percentage of alcohol (C2H5OH) refer to percentage by volume at 15.56 oC. Temperature - Unless otherwise specified all temperatures refer to centigrade (celsius), thermometric scale. Solutions - Unless otherwise specified in the individual monograph, all solutions are prepared with purified water. Reagents and Solutions - The chemicals and reagents required for the test in Pharmacopoeia are described in Appendices. Solubility - When stating the solubilities of Chemical substances the term “Soluble” is necessarily sometimes used in a general sense irrespective of concomitant chemical changes. Statements of solubilities, which are expressed as a precise relation of weights of dissolved substance of volume of solvent, at a stated temperature, are intended to apply at that temperature. Statements of approximate solubilities for which no figures are given, are intended to apply at ordinary room temperature. Pharmacopoeial chemicals when dissolved may show slight physical impurities, such as fragment of filter papers, fibres, and dust particles, unless excluded by definite tests in the individual monographs. When the expression “parts” is used in defining the solubility of a substance, it is to be understood to mean that 1 gramme of a solid or 1 millilitre of a liquid is soluble in that number of millilitres of the solvent represented by the stated number of parts. When the exact solubility of pharmacopoeial substance is not known, a descriptive term is used to indicate its solubility. The following table indicates the meaning of such terms :Descriptive terms Very soluble Freely soluble Soluble Sparingly soluble Slightly soluble Very slightly soluble Practically insoluble Relative quantities of solvent Less than 1 part From 1 to 10 parts From 10 to 30 parts From 30 to 100 parts From 100 to 1000 parts From 1000 to 10,000 parts More than 10,000 parts

Therapeutic uses and important formulations –Therapeutic uses and important formulations mentioned in this Pharmacopoeia are, as provided in the recognised Ayurvedic classics and in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part –I and Part-II.

Doses – The doses mentioned in each monograph are in metric system of weights, which are the approximate conversions from classical weights mentioned in Ayurvedic xi

texts. A conversion table is appended giving classical weights of Ayurvedic System of Medicine with their metric equivalents. Doses mentioned in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (A.P.I.) are intended merely for general guidance and represent, unless otherwise stated, the average range of quantities per dose which is generally regarded suitable by clinicians for adults only when administered orally. It is to be noted that the relation between doses in metric and Ayurvedic systems set forth in the text is of approximate equivalence. These quantities are for convenience of prescriber and sufficiently accurate for pharmaceutical purposes. The abbreviations commonly employed are as follows:

b) Microscopic: Mature stern shows squarish outline with prominent projection at each anular point; epidermis single layered, covered externally with thick cuticle; epidermal cells thin-walled, rectangular and tangentially elongated, followed by 2-3 layers of cork and single layered cork cambium; cortex composed of 8-16 layers of thin-walled, circular to oval parenchymatous cells; four patches of collenchymatous cells present in all the four angular points embedded in cortical region like an umbrella arching over large vascular bundles; in the projected portion of angular region cortical cells filled with brown-red contents present; endodermis not distinct; stele consists of a large number of vascular bundles varying in size arranged in the form of a ring separated by rays of parenchyma; 3 -4 vascular bundles larger in size, in each angular region, below collenchymatous
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patch, while rest of bundles smaller in size; vascular bundles collateral and open type, capped by sc1erenchymatous sheath which is well developed in larger bundles; cambium and interfascicular cambium quite distinct; central region occupied by a wide pith composed of thin-walled, circular to oval parenchymatous cells; idioblasts containing raphides and isolated acicular crystals of calcium oxalate present in the outer region of cortex and also in a number of cells throughout the region; rosette crystals of calcium oxalate also found in most of the cells in cortical region; starch grains present throughout the cortical and the pith regions. Powder - Brown; shows fragments of vessels, fibres, parenchymatous cells and a few rosette crystals of calcium oxalate, starch grains and idioblast. containing raphides and isolated acicular crystals of calcium oxalate. IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2 Total ash Not more than 22 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3 Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4 Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 4 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6 Water-soluble extractive Not less than 20 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7 T.L.C. T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel 'G' plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (9:1) shows under U.V. (366 nm) two fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.59 and 0.91 (both blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour four spots appear at Rf. 0.46, 0.56, 0.66 and 0.91 (all yellow). On spraying with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for ten minutes at 110°C five spots appear at Rf. 0.06, 0.46 (both violet), 0.59 (light violet), 0.66 and 0.91 (both violet).

sclerenchymatous thick and dark reddish-brown wall; pericycle encloses a diarch stele with a few elements of xylem and phloem. Rhizome - Mature rhizome consists of thick walled, rectangular, small cells of epidermis, followed by 3-4 layers of sclerenchymatous cells of hypodermis, composed of thickwalled cells; cortex wide, made up of thin-walled, rounded or oval-shaped parenchymatous cells, enclosing an amphiphloic siphonostele; endodermis present; vascular bundle with xylem consisting protoxylem towards both ends and metaxylem in centre; phloem surrounds the xylem externally and also internally; tracheid with scalariform to reticulate thickening present; a central pith consists of thick-walled cells, and fibres, and is sclerenchymatous. Frond-

Petiole - Shows concave-convex outline; epidermis single layered; hypodermis consists of 2 or 3 layers, lignified, thick-walled, sclerenchymatous cells; ground tissue composed of oval to polygonal, thin-walled parenchymatous cells; stele single, slightly triangular in shape, located centrally and surrounded by peri cycle and endodermis. Pinnule - Shows single layered epidermis on either surface; mesophyll round to oval in shape and not differentiated into palisade and spongy parenchyma; a few stomata present only on lower surface; a few sori also seen. Powder - Dark reddish-brown in colour; shows dark reddish-brown pieces of sclerenchymatous cells and light coloured crushed cells of cortex, a few tracheids having reticulate thickening, fibres and a few spores. IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2 Total ash Not more than 16 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3 Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 11 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4 Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 3 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6 Water-soluble extractive Not less than 5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7 T.L.C. T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel 'G' plate using n-Butanol : Acetic acid: Water (4 :1 : 5) shows under UV (366 nm) two fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.80 and 0.96 (both blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour three spots appear at Rf. 0.19, 0.30 and 0.80 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Sulphuric acid reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 1l0°C three spots appear at Rf. 0.19, 0.30 and 0.80 (all yellowish brown).

Drying: Air rying for 15 to 20 min. and then in an oven for 5 min. Detection: Cool and spray the plate thoroughly with Vanillin-Sulphuric acid reagent and heat at 1100 C for 5-10 min. under observation. When piperine spots appear lemon yellow, the plate is to be taken out. Over-heating turns yellow spots to violet. Rf. of Piperine: Approximately 0.5 in case of hand made plates

Powder - Cream coloured; shows black particles due to pieces of testa; fragments of thick-walled, elongated, oval to polygonal cells of testa and a few sclerenchymatous cells in surface view; irregular, wavy palisade-like cells, and simple, round to oval, starch grains upto 40 µ in dia., with striations and a fissured hilum. IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH Foreign matter Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2 Total ash Not more than 3 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3 Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 0.5 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4 Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 6 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6 Water-soluble extractive Not less than 10 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7 T.L.C. T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel 'G' plate using n-Butanol : Acetic acid: water (4:1:5) shows on exposure to Iodine vapour six spots at Rf. 0.11, 0.40, 0.44, 0.50, 0.65 and 0.80 (all yellow). On spraying with Ninhydrin reagent and heating the plate for about ten minutes at 110°C seven spots appear at Rf. 0.11, 0.18, 0.24, 0.33, 0.44, 0.50 and 0.65 (all pink).

Lamina - Shows a single layered epidermis having numerous trichomes similar to those of midrib on both surfaces; mesophyll not differentiated into palisade and spongy parenchyma cells; stomata anisocytic present on both surfaces, stomatal index 32-38 on lower surface and 20- 29 on upper surface, stomatal number 47-54 on lower surface and 15-22 on upper surface, vein islet number 20-26.
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Petiole - Single layered epidermis composed of cubical to slightly tangentially elongated cells covered with thick, striated cuticle; epidermal cells elongate to form uni to bicellular, occasionally multicellular hairs; epidermis followed by a discontinuous collenchymatous zone in the form of arcs, and a multilayered parenchymatous zone; vascular bundles arranged in the arcs, phloem surrounds xylem; vascular bundles usually of two sizes larger ones 7 in number and smaller ones 2 in number. Midrib - Epidermis single layered, composed of colourless cubical cells, covered with wavy cuticle; epidermis followed by 2-3 layers of irregular colourless cells of hypodermis and a few layers of collenchyma, towards lower side collenchyma
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b) Microscopic: Root - Shows cork consisting of 3-6 rows of thin-walled cells, a few outer layers exfoliating; secondary cortex consisting of 6-11 rows of tangentially elongated, tabular, thin-walled parenchymatous cells, a few of them containing microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate; secondary phloem arranged in continuous ring, consisting of thinwalled cells; phloem parenchyma cells containing microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate; secondary xylem arranged in the form of a ring, beneath which there are scattered vascular bundles consisting of xylem and phloem; vascular bundles, situated in the centre are comparatively larger; ground tissue consisting of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, a few cells containing microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate. Stem - Shows many thick-walled, oval to polygonal, collenchymatous cells present in the ridges seen in outline; epidermis single layered with tabular cells under a thickcuticle; cortex differentiated into 3-9 layered, thick-walled, tangentially elongated, chlorenchyma cells having a few microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate; vascular bundles collateral arranged in a concentric band consisting of phloem and xylem elements; inside the band, in the ground tissue a number of conjoint vascular bundles found scattered; ground tissue consisting of oval or round, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, these cells are smaller toward periphery and larger towards centre, a few of these cells contain microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate. LeafPetiole - Shows two notches which are lateral in position, epidermis single layer, followed by, 1 or 2 layers ventrally and 1 to 7 layers dorsally of collenchyma; rest of the cortex consisting of thin-walled parenchymatous cells, a few of them containing microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate; vascular bundles arc-shaped in three separate patches, elongated in the notches central one nearly circular, each consisting of xylem and phloem. Midrib - Shows single layered epidermis on both surfaces, followed by 1-2 layered collenchyma; rest of the cortex consisting of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells a few of them containing rnicrosphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate; vascular bundles 4 in number in basal region and single in number towards apical region. Lamina - Shows single layered epidermis on both surfaces; upper epidermal cells, thinwalled, oval to polygonal, with a few uni-to bicellular pointed hairs, sinuous walls and a few stomata in surface view; lower epidermal cells composed of thin-walled cells oval to polygonal, having a number of rosette crystals of calcium oxalate and a few microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate; walls sinuous, stomata both anomocytic and anisocytic type; palisade parenchyma 2 or 3 layered; spongy parenchyma 3 or 4 layered consisting of circular, irregularly arranged cells
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Powder -Light green; shows lignified vessels with spiral thickening, rosette and microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate, fragments of irregular, sinuous, polyhedral, thin-walled, parenchymatous epidermal cells and palisade cells, anomocytic and anisocytic type of stomata. IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH Foreign matter Not more than 2 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2 Total ash Not more than 17 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3 Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 2.6 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4 Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 3 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6 Water-soluble extractive Not less than 17 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7 T.L.C. T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel 'G' plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (9: 1) shows -under U.V. (366nm) four fluorescent zones at Rf. 0.05, 0.17, 0.34 and 0.40 (all pink). On exposure to Iodine vapour five spots appear at Rf. 0.17, 0.34, 0.40, 0.56 and 0.98 (all yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Phosphomolybdic acid reagent and heating the plate at 105°C for ten minutes three spots appear at Rf. 0.17, 0.56 and 0.98 (all violet).

xylem parenchyma, traversed by 1-5 seriate xylem rays; xylem vessels usually solitary or 2-4 in groups with reticulate thickening; fibres aseptate and pointed. Stem - Mature stem shows several bulges at places and consists of a single layered epidermis, externally covered with a striated cuticle; a number of epidermal cells elongate to form multicellular covering and T-shaped trichomes with 2-6 celled stalk; cortex 3-5 layers of thin-walled, tangentially elongated parenchymatous cells, a few filled with reddishbrown content, bulges show a few layers of collenchyma between epidermis and parenzhymatous cortex; endodermis single layered, composed of barrelshaped cells; pericycle occurs in the form of groups of pericyclic fibres; phloem consists of strands of sieve tubes, companion cells and phloem parenchyma; xylem consists of vessel, parenchyma and fibres; xylem vessls show reticulate thickening; parenchyma in abundance and paratracheal; fibres thick-walled, aseptate, short, with pointed ends; medullary rays 2-11 cells wide; central portion occupied by pith composed of hexagonal to polygonal, thin-walled parenchymatous cells; a few simple starch grains present in cortical cells; cluster crystals of calcium oxalate occasionally found in pith. Leaf -

Petiole - shows a somewhat circular outline with two lateral projections one on each side; epidermis on both surfaces, covered externally with striated cuticle and have both type of trichomes as described in case of stem, followed by 2-3 layers of collenchyma on upper and lower side; stele composed of three collateral vascular bundles located in centre, central one larger and lateral two smaller; ground tissue composed of thin-walled parenchymatous cells, a few having oil globules and rosette crystals of calcium oxalate. Midrib - shows similar structure as described in petiole except for 1 or 2 layers of collenchymatous cells below both epidermis and a single vascular bundle in centre; oil globules and rosette crystals of calcium oxalate present in a few cells of ground tissue. Lamina - shows dorsiventral structure; epidermis single layered on either surface, composed of thin-walled, tangentially elongated cells, covered externally with striated cuticle; trichomes similar to those of stem; palisade single layered; spongy parenchyma 4-5 layered, loosely arranged cells; vascular bundles embedded in spongy parenchyma; rosette crystals of calcium oxalate and oil globules present in this region; anomocytic stomata present on both surfaces. Powder - Greenish-brown; shows reticulate vessels, thick-walled fibres, a few rosette crystals of calcium oxalate, multicullular covering and T -shaped trichomes with 2-6 celled stalk, and epidermal cells irregular in shape in surface view, showing anomocytic stomata.

a number of septa, each chamber containing a single prismatic crystal of calcium oxalate; phloem rays numerous, radially elongated, somewhat wavy in outer phloem region and bi to multiseriate in the inner phloem region. being 2 - 5 cells wide and 7 - 25 cells high. Powder - Greyish-brown; shows large number of stone cells, prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, crystal fibres and phloem fibres. IDENTITY, PURITY AND STRENGTH Foreign matter Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.2 Total ash Not more than 8 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.3 Acid-insoluble ash Not more than 1 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.4 Alcohol-soluble extractive Not less than 12 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.6 Water-soluble extractive Not less than 6 Per cent, Appendix 2.2.7 T.L.C. T.L.C. of the alcoholic extract on Silica gel 'G' plate using Toluene: Ethylacetate (9: 1) shows under UV (366 nm) a fluorescent zone at Rf. 0.63 (blue). On exposure to Iodine vapour two spots appear at Rf. 0.07 and 0.21 (both yellow). On spraying with 5% Methanolic-Phosphomolybdic acid reagent and heating the plate at 105 °C for ten minutes two spots appear at Rf. 0.07 and 0.21 (both light blue).

U¿ir¡ consists of dried fragrant fibrous roots of Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.) Nash (Fam. Poaceae); a densely tufted grass, found throughout the plains and lower hills of the country, especially on the banks of rivers and rich marshy soil, ascending to an altitude of 1200 m.